I hope it was just an incomplete (lousy?) job of reporting. Today's newspaper lauded (with several accompanying plaudits) OCC's new Global Awareness Degree. Well, first, it doesn't sound like a real degree, but I'll give it the benefit of the doubt. Second, and more concerning, students will take classes in foreign languages, business, political science, etc., but nothing was mentioned about any history courses. Hmmm...a "Global" course/degree without any history classes? I sure hope it was just an incomplete job of reporting. Of course, I know what those who run education at all levels think of history. Let's just say they don't think it's very important. Don't think so? Remember who many of your history teachers were...gym teachers, art teachers, foreign language teachers, etc., who needed an extra hour to fit their schedules. Consider the state tests, the old MEAPs. There were tests in math, science, reading, writing, but, for the longest time, nothing in history. Then, to placate somebody (I don't know who, but certainly not me!), a social studies (not history!) section was added--but, and this is telling, it didn't count! And, in our district, to satisfy the MEAP test dates (and remember, the history part of the social studies section didn't count!), Modern History was taught the first semester and Ancient History was taught the second semester. The ideas of cause and effect, chronology, etc., ah, how important can they be? No wonder those Bozos in DC do what they do--they know we don't have a clue about the past and what other Bozos did to start the mess up.
And if this isn't frightening, what is? Gov Jennie is on the "short list" of possible Supreme Court nominees to succeed David Souter (no prize there, esp if you value your own private property as, well, your own private property!)!!! C'mon. If anyone needs further confirmation that the inmates are running the asylum, here it is. In this country of more than 300 million people, the best we can come up is "Cool Cities!," "Everybody Goes to College!," and "They have to get over thinking it's their money." Shame on us....we let it all happen.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Quiet Day
Karen's right, as usual, "People can work in their yards." And, some people need equipment to do the work. But...
I was reminded of this yesterday. I am surrounded on four sides, maybe more, by some of the loudest yard equipment in the world, it seems. I couldn't get Cody to sleep/nap--each time he dozed off, some other ear-splitting racket started up. I couldn't hear myself think (which might be a good thing!) I even just went for a walk to escape the noise.
In the summer, we don't like to close up the house. We have only had central air for a few years and use it maybe half a dozen times each summer. We stay cool enough. But when the Jumbo Jets, er, lawn mowers come out, we have to shut up the house, closing all windows and doors, if we want to talk, gab on the phone, or even listen to the radio or tube. Hearing the gangsta rap music from the main drag a quarter mile away is one thing; this is another.
I don't begrudge the landscaping businesses their machines. After all, it's their business and are often done in a short while. And, neighbors have a right to own what they want; that, too, is their own business. But that's not the point. That someone can do something doesn't mean someone should do something. For example, one can run a stop sign, esp if there are no police officers around. But the driver shouldn't run it, except, of course, in a real emergency.
OK, people can have yard equipment. I'm not a 21st Century Luddite. I have a power mower, not self-propelled, but it does make some noise. But, that's about it. Nothing else used on a regular basis, all four seasons. In part, that's because I enjoy the physical work, shoveling snow, clipping/trimming the grass with old-fashioned clippers, etc. If others prefer machines, fine. Except....
Do their tractors have to be as loud as 747s? Their weed-whackers and, esp, leaf blowers are even louder. I don't live next to the airport. It's not my fault if they "need" tractors, blowers, etc.; in fact, if they need them, most likely, whose fault is that?
Perhaps, since government is in the business of telling everyone and everything what's best, there should be a law proclaiming one or two days a week to be "Quiet Day(s)." On these days, it would be illegal to start up the noisemakers. We could hear ourselves talk and even think; the kids could take their naps.
Of course, I'm being facetious (note all 5 vowels are in order in that word!), but still getting a dig in on two of my pet peeves: noise/laziness and government.
Out to work in the yard.... Ha Ha.
I was reminded of this yesterday. I am surrounded on four sides, maybe more, by some of the loudest yard equipment in the world, it seems. I couldn't get Cody to sleep/nap--each time he dozed off, some other ear-splitting racket started up. I couldn't hear myself think (which might be a good thing!) I even just went for a walk to escape the noise.
In the summer, we don't like to close up the house. We have only had central air for a few years and use it maybe half a dozen times each summer. We stay cool enough. But when the Jumbo Jets, er, lawn mowers come out, we have to shut up the house, closing all windows and doors, if we want to talk, gab on the phone, or even listen to the radio or tube. Hearing the gangsta rap music from the main drag a quarter mile away is one thing; this is another.
I don't begrudge the landscaping businesses their machines. After all, it's their business and are often done in a short while. And, neighbors have a right to own what they want; that, too, is their own business. But that's not the point. That someone can do something doesn't mean someone should do something. For example, one can run a stop sign, esp if there are no police officers around. But the driver shouldn't run it, except, of course, in a real emergency.
OK, people can have yard equipment. I'm not a 21st Century Luddite. I have a power mower, not self-propelled, but it does make some noise. But, that's about it. Nothing else used on a regular basis, all four seasons. In part, that's because I enjoy the physical work, shoveling snow, clipping/trimming the grass with old-fashioned clippers, etc. If others prefer machines, fine. Except....
Do their tractors have to be as loud as 747s? Their weed-whackers and, esp, leaf blowers are even louder. I don't live next to the airport. It's not my fault if they "need" tractors, blowers, etc.; in fact, if they need them, most likely, whose fault is that?
Perhaps, since government is in the business of telling everyone and everything what's best, there should be a law proclaiming one or two days a week to be "Quiet Day(s)." On these days, it would be illegal to start up the noisemakers. We could hear ourselves talk and even think; the kids could take their naps.
Of course, I'm being facetious (note all 5 vowels are in order in that word!), but still getting a dig in on two of my pet peeves: noise/laziness and government.
Out to work in the yard.... Ha Ha.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Apathy
Consider these two quotations:
"I have never learned to fight for my freedom. I was only good at enjoying it."
"Live free or die." (Thanks to Mark Steyn for the insights.)
The first comes from Belgian/Dutch (?) writer Oscar van den Boogaard. He also said, "I am not a warrior." The second is on the license plates of New Hampshire, from a Rev War general by the name of Stark.
I believe words have meaning, that ideas are powerful--if we choose to listen and act. Van den Boogaard was lamenting the loss of the freedoms of expression--speech, the press--in his homeland in the face of "diversity" (the Islamification of Europe), "political correctness," etc. it seems he has conceded. The freedoms are gone.
Are we headed the same way? Is the United States, because its citizens care more about American Idol, etc., doomed to lose its freedoms? I don't own guns, never will, and haven't shot one in 40 years or more. Yet, I fear the government's efforts to take away the 2nd Amendments rights. Why? Very simply, if some rights can be taken away, all rights can be taken, too.
Are people paying attention? I think they must not be. They, surely, can't agree with what has been happening since, well, last October. Can they? Now, let me be clear, this holds for Bush as well as Obama. The head of GM is canned because the President says so; Chrysler bondholders are forced to give up legitimate claims to their money because the President says so. Hey, even some of the financials are trying to give back the bailout money because they finally figured out there were strings attached to it. (Maybe that in itself goes a long way to explaining the mess!) And, nobody cares? Or, if someone does, the government redefines "terrorist" to perhaps include him/her? And, still, nobody cares?
I'm not asking people to fight or "die." I am asking people to be concerned. Pressure, lots of pressure, has to be brought on our elected officials. Political parties must be warned to give us candidates worthy of serving this nation and its people. If only a handful of us ever say anything to our Senators, Congressmen, the President, the Governor, our state represenatives, our school boards, etc., we can easily be ignored. After all, what can a handful of malcontents do? They can't keep officials from being elected or re-elected, not it most people don't care, are "sheeple," etc.
One day you might wake up and realize things have changed, not for the better. Then it might well be too late to consider the above quotations.
"I have never learned to fight for my freedom. I was only good at enjoying it."
"Live free or die." (Thanks to Mark Steyn for the insights.)
The first comes from Belgian/Dutch (?) writer Oscar van den Boogaard. He also said, "I am not a warrior." The second is on the license plates of New Hampshire, from a Rev War general by the name of Stark.
I believe words have meaning, that ideas are powerful--if we choose to listen and act. Van den Boogaard was lamenting the loss of the freedoms of expression--speech, the press--in his homeland in the face of "diversity" (the Islamification of Europe), "political correctness," etc. it seems he has conceded. The freedoms are gone.
Are we headed the same way? Is the United States, because its citizens care more about American Idol, etc., doomed to lose its freedoms? I don't own guns, never will, and haven't shot one in 40 years or more. Yet, I fear the government's efforts to take away the 2nd Amendments rights. Why? Very simply, if some rights can be taken away, all rights can be taken, too.
Are people paying attention? I think they must not be. They, surely, can't agree with what has been happening since, well, last October. Can they? Now, let me be clear, this holds for Bush as well as Obama. The head of GM is canned because the President says so; Chrysler bondholders are forced to give up legitimate claims to their money because the President says so. Hey, even some of the financials are trying to give back the bailout money because they finally figured out there were strings attached to it. (Maybe that in itself goes a long way to explaining the mess!) And, nobody cares? Or, if someone does, the government redefines "terrorist" to perhaps include him/her? And, still, nobody cares?
I'm not asking people to fight or "die." I am asking people to be concerned. Pressure, lots of pressure, has to be brought on our elected officials. Political parties must be warned to give us candidates worthy of serving this nation and its people. If only a handful of us ever say anything to our Senators, Congressmen, the President, the Governor, our state represenatives, our school boards, etc., we can easily be ignored. After all, what can a handful of malcontents do? They can't keep officials from being elected or re-elected, not it most people don't care, are "sheeple," etc.
One day you might wake up and realize things have changed, not for the better. Then it might well be too late to consider the above quotations.
Monday, May 11, 2009
A Continuation...
...with technology in education (with hints from Matthew):
I know many teachers/professors now post their notes on "Blackboard." I know I have students ask all the time, "Are the notes going to be on Blackboard?" Then, these same teachers/professors wonder what attendance in their classes is so low--students don't have to attend because they just download (not even copy or note-take) the teachers' notes/lectures.
Now, go ahead, try and tell me how this improves education. I'll wait....
While I'm waiting, let's try a stab at on-line classes. I know, I know...get with the times. But where is the real interaction between students and teachers? It's sort of like getting a degree from one of those "colleges" on matchbook covers. (I also "like" the colleges that advertise giving college credit for "life experiences" or 4-year programs that can be completed in one year. There's some real quality for you!) Anyway, back to on-line classes.... Cheating and plagiarism are at all-time highs, with upwards of 80% actually admitting to cheating and/or plagiarizing. On-line classes certainly don't cut into those numbers. There were a half dozen or so teachers and at least one administrator where I worked who took the same on-line class from the Univ of Detroit. One day a week they'd all meet in one of the rooms, do their work together and submit it. Pretty good sign of quality and rigor, I'd say.
But the way the government is tearing apart the fiber of this country, it won't matter any way.
Anybody for a game of dodge ball???
I know many teachers/professors now post their notes on "Blackboard." I know I have students ask all the time, "Are the notes going to be on Blackboard?" Then, these same teachers/professors wonder what attendance in their classes is so low--students don't have to attend because they just download (not even copy or note-take) the teachers' notes/lectures.
Now, go ahead, try and tell me how this improves education. I'll wait....
While I'm waiting, let's try a stab at on-line classes. I know, I know...get with the times. But where is the real interaction between students and teachers? It's sort of like getting a degree from one of those "colleges" on matchbook covers. (I also "like" the colleges that advertise giving college credit for "life experiences" or 4-year programs that can be completed in one year. There's some real quality for you!) Anyway, back to on-line classes.... Cheating and plagiarism are at all-time highs, with upwards of 80% actually admitting to cheating and/or plagiarizing. On-line classes certainly don't cut into those numbers. There were a half dozen or so teachers and at least one administrator where I worked who took the same on-line class from the Univ of Detroit. One day a week they'd all meet in one of the rooms, do their work together and submit it. Pretty good sign of quality and rigor, I'd say.
But the way the government is tearing apart the fiber of this country, it won't matter any way.
Anybody for a game of dodge ball???
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Some Thoughts
I read a couple of things today:
"...creative speculators whose handiwork undermined the global economy...." Well, what consequences face these "creative speculators?" What are they facing from the law/government? Oh, bonuses from bailouts... Oh, if they lose their jobs, they are quickly gobbled up by their friends in other companies. Oh, by the way, where are/were the company board and the stockholders? Oh, where is the community, which could/should ostracize these people whose actions have worsened the lives of millions? They are watching American Idol!
"...trillion dollar-bailouts give to a financial industry whose greed has ravaged retirement savings..." See above. What makes this industry the darling of our elected representatives, who just give away "trillions of dollars" of our money? (Oops! There I go again, forgetting. Gov Jennie told us we have to get over thinking it's our money. I did.) Where is the accountability for our elected officials? Don't blame anyone but yourself. You helped to elect these bozos. And "greed?" What "greed?" That of the financial industry? the politicians? Whose "greed?" What about the "greed" of us, all too willing to spend trillions of dollars to save ourselves even though our kids and grandkids will be overburdened with debt? Aren't we as greedy as any of them? Maybe we are even worse. After all, their greed likely involves jobbing people they don't know. Our greed is aimed at our own kids and grandkids. And all because we don't want to face difficult times, make tough choices, etc.
Shame on everyone!
"...creative speculators whose handiwork undermined the global economy...." Well, what consequences face these "creative speculators?" What are they facing from the law/government? Oh, bonuses from bailouts... Oh, if they lose their jobs, they are quickly gobbled up by their friends in other companies. Oh, by the way, where are/were the company board and the stockholders? Oh, where is the community, which could/should ostracize these people whose actions have worsened the lives of millions? They are watching American Idol!
"...trillion dollar-bailouts give to a financial industry whose greed has ravaged retirement savings..." See above. What makes this industry the darling of our elected representatives, who just give away "trillions of dollars" of our money? (Oops! There I go again, forgetting. Gov Jennie told us we have to get over thinking it's our money. I did.) Where is the accountability for our elected officials? Don't blame anyone but yourself. You helped to elect these bozos. And "greed?" What "greed?" That of the financial industry? the politicians? Whose "greed?" What about the "greed" of us, all too willing to spend trillions of dollars to save ourselves even though our kids and grandkids will be overburdened with debt? Aren't we as greedy as any of them? Maybe we are even worse. After all, their greed likely involves jobbing people they don't know. Our greed is aimed at our own kids and grandkids. And all because we don't want to face difficult times, make tough choices, etc.
Shame on everyone!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Technology and Teaching
I get a chuckle out of "technology in the classroom." With just a few exceptions, "technology" means that teachers can show more movies by using the Internet (Youtube, etc.), among other things. (Why are college teachers showing movies anyhow???) I also get a big laugh out of two younger teachers on one of my campuses who appear to be using Power Point presentations. They never, I mean not that I have ever seen!, get out of their chairs from start to finish, 9 AM to noon. Don't their butts get sore? I'm sure they are well regarded for their "innovation," "use of technology," etc. Reminds me of the guy across the hall from me who used to laud technology, but was befuddled when I said all computers have done is replaced typewriters (word processing) and encyclopedias (the Internet). And how much money have schools spent on how many computers?????? But it sounds good--lots of computers, technology in the classroom, etc.
Humbling
Yes, once again I am humbled. This Sun marks the 150th anniversary of the Amherst-Williams baseball competition. That's a long time! That I was a very small part of that, however small, is very humbling, yet cool. The game will be live on a webcast here: http://espn.go.com/broadband/espn360/index?id=5480%26league=NCAA%26sportCode=BB
I do think, however, that we never did lose to Williams in the four years I was there. I think we lost once to Wesleyan, a 16-inning game in which their pitcher, a legend of sorts in Hartford, went all 16 innings. It was the opening game of a doubleheader and, fortunately I guess, the second game was only 7 innings.
I do think, however, that we never did lose to Williams in the four years I was there. I think we lost once to Wesleyan, a 16-inning game in which their pitcher, a legend of sorts in Hartford, went all 16 innings. It was the opening game of a doubleheader and, fortunately I guess, the second game was only 7 innings.
More Thoughts
I wonder if anyone else thinks that all these mergers in the '80s and '90s are behind the economic collapse of today. Economies of scale, efficiency, etc. were all supposed to be improved with the acquisition of this by that and that by this. Doesn't seem to have worked, does it?
Try to get the service out of the big chains that we once got out of the mom and pop store, the local hardware. And, "Old Italian Joe" made his own home-made sausage!
Another interesting article in today's paper. A guy talking about his factory in Detroit where, on any given day, at least 1 of 3 workers isn't there. They call in sick--or don't call in. He has other factories in the US, union-workers, where almost all days have nobody missing. What is it about Detroit? It's no wonder he has opened several other plants--outside of Michigan--plants that are thriving. I know in the schools, to be absent isn't a big deal any more. All work can be made up--even weeks and months later. What's the local district that is now giving Hs instead of Es/Fs, to allow students to make up the work they didn't do, to retake the tests they fail, etc.? Now that's a good way to teach students that attendance matters--you know, like showing up at work.
Try to get the service out of the big chains that we once got out of the mom and pop store, the local hardware. And, "Old Italian Joe" made his own home-made sausage!
Another interesting article in today's paper. A guy talking about his factory in Detroit where, on any given day, at least 1 of 3 workers isn't there. They call in sick--or don't call in. He has other factories in the US, union-workers, where almost all days have nobody missing. What is it about Detroit? It's no wonder he has opened several other plants--outside of Michigan--plants that are thriving. I know in the schools, to be absent isn't a big deal any more. All work can be made up--even weeks and months later. What's the local district that is now giving Hs instead of Es/Fs, to allow students to make up the work they didn't do, to retake the tests they fail, etc.? Now that's a good way to teach students that attendance matters--you know, like showing up at work.
Sometimes....
they just make it too easy.
There's a column in today's newspaper about "licensing" instead of "certifying" teachers, you know, like doctors and lawyers. It's written by, you guessed it, one of the education-types.
One good thing is she acknowledges, at least infers, that teachers are getting worse. She recognizes that merely certifying, instead of licensing, isn't working, isn't producing quality at all. Of course, certification, esp student teaching, has been a scam all along perpetrated by the ed schools, maybe even the teachers' unions, who knows? There's no need for student teaching. Requiring a year of substituting after a couple of appropriate classes/courses would be much, much more beneficial. (On a similar note, I had a conversation with one of my professors while I was at Amherst a couple weeks ago--was that two weeks ago already??? He suggested, after having worked with another professor who rose from the high school teaching ranks, that perhaps high school teaching should be required before college teaching. Hmmmm.) But, I digress.
In this article, there is nothing there about subject material, nothing about knowing math, history, English, etc. In her defense, perhaps she assumes that college graduates know this stuff. I think that is a false assumption, that is, if that's what she assumes. I really believe she, like all education-types, has no use for knowledge. Actually knowing things isn't important. It's all about other things--you've heard the buzzwords, "critical thinking," etc. The education-types haven't yet caught on that one can't think critically in a vacuum, that is, without knowledge.
It reminds me of about 10 years ago, when the local district was seeking a superintendent. I sat through two meetings, one of teachers, the other of community members, listing the qualities the district should look for in a super. After sitting through one and half of the other, I realized nobody, not a single person, said that experience with quality in education was important. Oh, they had all the good: "good communicator," "articulate," "up on the latest trends," etc. But never was there anything about having experienced rigor, quality in education. So, I finally raised my hand and said, "What about experience with quality education?" The Oakland Schools "facilitator" (now there's an education word!) just looked at me, didn't write it on her big easel of paper (there's another education thing!), said nothing, and inquired what other qualities were desirable. I just laughed at her (and the people in the meeting) and got up and walked out. The principal glared at me as I was leaving, but likely knew not to require me to stay. (I can be quite a pain in the neck when upset.) That's like this lady who wrote the article.
Speaking of education, I was reminded of the absurdity of those I worked for over the years. I forgot what it was, something from the Obama camp--say to do one thing, but don't really do it. How many times over the years, from one, two, three, four principals and how many assistant principals?, was it "Raise expectations!" Of course, when expectations were raised and grades were low, it became apparent from their responses that they were "just kidding" about raising expectations. It was like one of my brightest colleagues used to say, "Give 'em good grades, but don't make them work for them."
Until people recognize the folly being perpetrated in the schools, education is doomed. There are no leaders either able or willing to require what is required for schools to succeed.
There's a column in today's newspaper about "licensing" instead of "certifying" teachers, you know, like doctors and lawyers. It's written by, you guessed it, one of the education-types.
One good thing is she acknowledges, at least infers, that teachers are getting worse. She recognizes that merely certifying, instead of licensing, isn't working, isn't producing quality at all. Of course, certification, esp student teaching, has been a scam all along perpetrated by the ed schools, maybe even the teachers' unions, who knows? There's no need for student teaching. Requiring a year of substituting after a couple of appropriate classes/courses would be much, much more beneficial. (On a similar note, I had a conversation with one of my professors while I was at Amherst a couple weeks ago--was that two weeks ago already??? He suggested, after having worked with another professor who rose from the high school teaching ranks, that perhaps high school teaching should be required before college teaching. Hmmmm.) But, I digress.
In this article, there is nothing there about subject material, nothing about knowing math, history, English, etc. In her defense, perhaps she assumes that college graduates know this stuff. I think that is a false assumption, that is, if that's what she assumes. I really believe she, like all education-types, has no use for knowledge. Actually knowing things isn't important. It's all about other things--you've heard the buzzwords, "critical thinking," etc. The education-types haven't yet caught on that one can't think critically in a vacuum, that is, without knowledge.
It reminds me of about 10 years ago, when the local district was seeking a superintendent. I sat through two meetings, one of teachers, the other of community members, listing the qualities the district should look for in a super. After sitting through one and half of the other, I realized nobody, not a single person, said that experience with quality in education was important. Oh, they had all the good: "good communicator," "articulate," "up on the latest trends," etc. But never was there anything about having experienced rigor, quality in education. So, I finally raised my hand and said, "What about experience with quality education?" The Oakland Schools "facilitator" (now there's an education word!) just looked at me, didn't write it on her big easel of paper (there's another education thing!), said nothing, and inquired what other qualities were desirable. I just laughed at her (and the people in the meeting) and got up and walked out. The principal glared at me as I was leaving, but likely knew not to require me to stay. (I can be quite a pain in the neck when upset.) That's like this lady who wrote the article.
Speaking of education, I was reminded of the absurdity of those I worked for over the years. I forgot what it was, something from the Obama camp--say to do one thing, but don't really do it. How many times over the years, from one, two, three, four principals and how many assistant principals?, was it "Raise expectations!" Of course, when expectations were raised and grades were low, it became apparent from their responses that they were "just kidding" about raising expectations. It was like one of my brightest colleagues used to say, "Give 'em good grades, but don't make them work for them."
Until people recognize the folly being perpetrated in the schools, education is doomed. There are no leaders either able or willing to require what is required for schools to succeed.
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